The Carousel That Helped Inspire Twilight Zone’s “Walking Distance”
The Twilight Zone, as every fan knows, is home to many wild settings that exist only in our imaginations. But one of the most magical is very real: the carousel in Rod Serling’s hometown of Binghamton, NY.
No, the much-beloved episode “Walking Distance” wasn’t actually filmed there, but this is the very carousel that Rod rode as a child. His nostalgia for that simple ride led him to feature a carousel rather prominently in the conclusion to that bittersweet story.
The carousel (which you can read more about at this link) still works. It even got a facelift in 2011 that included some TZ-inspired artwork by Cortland T. Hull in the panels above the horses. Here they are, snapped by yours truly on a visit to Binghamton. Can you recognize all the episodes? (Click any pic to enlarge it.)
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Hope to see you in some corner of the fifth dimension soon!
Posted on 07/25/2018, in General and tagged Recreation Park, Twilight Zone, Walking Distance. Bookmark the permalink. 19 Comments.
Shadow & Substance 
I won’t give it away, in case anyone who follows your blog struggles with any of these, Paul. I had to enlarge “One For The Angels” but that was my only blip. I need to add this trip to my list.
Well done, Dan! And yes, it’s well worth the trip.
Funny you posted this today, Paul, as it’s National Carousel Day!
Actually, although I didn’t say it here, Beth (I did on Twitter), that’s what prompted this post. Thanks for stopping by!
Paul
Can you please call me this evening if you have a few minutes. I’d like to discuss something Serling related with you.
Mike Pipher
Archivist
6072321083
Will do, Mike.
How lovely that this still exists. Love the episode artwork added on to it. Yes I recognised the depicted episodes.
Well done! And yes, the artwork dresses it up nicely while still allowing it to retain its original charm.
That is the most amazing thing! I love it. Thank you for taking the photos and sharing them with us.
Had it been up to me to choose the artwork for the carousel, I might have swapped out a scene from “Eye of the Beholder” for “One for the Angels” — it’s not as though all the episodes depicted are among Serling’s lighter and sweeter ones anyway — but that’s just me!
My pleasure, Mike! And ha, I wouldn’t object to an Eye of the Beholder panel — you know it’s my all-time favorite TZ!
I’m going to have to rewatch this episode!
Well worth it! It’s the fifth episode of Season 1, if that helps you locate it.
Thanks Paul!
Great article, however I feel it my annoying duty to point out that it being National Carousel Day…it was also National Merry-Go-Round Day. The two should have canceled each other out. :-P
Carousel AND Merry-Go-Round Day? Whew, my head is spinning now. ;P Thanks for the compliment, Frank!
Yes, but one spins one way…and the other spins the opposite direction!
That sounds very Zoney. :-o
Lovely!! So glad you were able to finally visit! Unfortunately, the carousel was closed when I was there several years ago (I could only look through foggy windows into darkness), so it’s nice to actually see the murals!
Oh, no! What a shame. I’d have been really disappointed if it had been out of commission when I visited. Glad I was able to right that wrong for you, at least a little bit!